The Relief Society motto is "charity never faileth." The greatest scriptural commentary on this phrase was given by Paul:
'Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.' (1 Cor 13:8-10)
But because actions speak louder than words, the greatest commentary for "charity never faileth" has been given by the lives of those sisters whose service has proven that charity is an eternal virtue.
Gordon B. Hinckley
"The Relief Society of the Church . . . has as its motto Charity Never Faileth. Innumerable are the deeds of these remarkable and wonderful and unselfish women in succoring those in distress, in binding up the wounds of those who have been hurt, in giving cheer and comfort to those in distress, in feeding the hungry and clothing the naked, and in lifting up those who have fallen and giving them strength and encouragement and the will to go forward." (Ensign, November 1990, p. 54.)
Elaine J. Jack
"A Relief Society sister who had moved to Texas to continue her education and then was moving again wrote to me this summer. She told of her experience with the sisters in her ward, of their quick action, willing hands, warmth, and kindness. But it wasn't what they did that prompted her letter; it was why. They loved her, and she could feel it. As they shared with her, multiplying their gifts, she too was strengthened in charity. Listen to her story, because it represents all of you and your quiet goodness:
'As I write these words, I have to squint at my computer screen and keep blinking away tears of gratitude. From the first day I attended the Austin Fourth Ward, I was touched by the spirit of love and caring I felt in the Relief Society. These sisters are very diverse. There are converts and lifelong members, native Texans and Mountain West transplants. They are married, divorced, and single, some with sufficient means, others with very few resources. Yet it doesn't seem to make any difference.
'I can't tell you of the untold kindnesses they've done for me. They aren't earthshaking events, but an accumulation of small blessings: stopping by my apartment to take my dog for a walk, offering to take care of some mending, tracking down packing boxes for me, and including me in their personal prayers. This Sabbath day, the words of the hymn 'As Sisters in Zion' [Hymns, no. 309] keep running through my mind. I want you to know that the sisters are indeed 'build[ing] up his kingdom with earnest endeavor,' and 'comfort[ing] the weary and strengthen[ing] the weak' (letter from Katherine Boswell, 11 Aug. 1996).
"Is there any question of the righteous influence of the women of this Church? In this tabernacle, in Texas, in tiny branches, sprawling wards, and stakes around the world, our efforts sound the theme 'Charity Never Faileth.' What a promise! As it is heard here and recorded in heaven, may we remember, sisters, this is our theme and our message to the world. It isn't what we do; it is the heart with which we do it." (Conference Report, Nov. 1996 Ensign, "Strengthening in Charity")